First Pro-Lesbian Super PAC Launches Today

7/11/2012 11:33 AM ET

The nation's first Super PAC created to champion issues important to American lesbians was launched Wednesday. LPAC, spearheaded by some of the nation's most prominent women leaders, will focus on advocating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) issues and women's sexual and reproductive rights.

"After decades of being a small subset of players in women's rights and LGBT rights political efforts, the women of LPAC are stepping up to get organized like never before, aiming to give lesbians a real and meaningful seat at the table," the LPAC website states.

The site adds, "With significant resources, LPAC plans to make a true impact for lesbians in the 2012 election cycle and beyond."

The timing of LPAC's formation is not coincidence - this election cycle has seen women's and LGBT issues brought to the forefront like never before.

From discussions over whether working women "can have it all" in the media to support for women's wage parity and the president's support for gay marriage, these issues are becoming a common part of the discussion.

"Women's equality and well-being is under attack in a way this country has not seen in decades; As a result, a dramatic window of opportunity exists to counter this onslaught by electing strong pro-women candidates running for office," the LPAC site states.

LPAC is non-partisan and will support any local or federal candidate of any party who champions issues important to the community.

Specifically, the super PAC names ending discriminatory practices toward LGBT people and families, protecting women's reproductive rights and access to quality health care and furthering equal justice standards for all as its top issues.

Several celebrities have already thrown their support behind the group, including actress Jane Lynch of Glee and sports icon Billie Jean King.

"Members of the LGBT community are inspirational leaders and role models in every aspect of American life - from education to entertainment, from sports to science," King's statement on the LPAC site said.

She added, "The formation of LPAC provides lesbians and the entire LGBT community a new, stronger voice and a real and respected seat at the table when politicians make policy that impacts our lives."

Chicago Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts, an Obama supporter, is one of the largest backers of the PAC.

"I support LPAC because courageous elected officials who support women's rights, fairness, and equality for all of us deserve our unconditional support," Ricketts said in a release.

The Super PAC will be chaired by Chicago-based Sarah Schmidt, founder and principal in her own consulting firm and board member of U.S. Venture, Inc.